CROSS COUNTRY HITS HALFWAY MARK

By Shania Bulala

Rainy skies and muddy terrain set the tone at the John F. Kennedy High School course, where Week 4 of the ISA/IIAAG Cross Country league put runners to the test. This featured meet brought together the host JFK Islanders, GW Geckos, Sanchez Sharks, Harvest Eagles, Business Tech Academy Bulls, Academy Cougars, FD Friars, and Majesty Academy Conquerors.

Rising to the challenge, Rynier Di Ramos of the Sharks and Gwenizah Barcinas of the Geckos powered through the tough conditions to claim the top spots in their respective divisions.

In the boys race, Di Ramos turned in one of the season’s most impressive performances, crossing the line in 18:16. Despite a tumble during the second lap, he recovered quickly and surged in the closing stretch to finish ahead of a tightly packed trio of Islanders (Arby Carpo 18:21, Stephen Medrano 18:51, and Christian Hautea 18:58) who claimed the next three spots. The victory marked a breakthrough for Di Ramos, firmly establishing him as a contender for the upcoming All-Island meet.

“Going into this race, I knew it would be a three-lap course. This is definitely one of the hardest courses and has always been the most cross country-like,” said Di Ramos. “From the start, I felt really good and actually in lap two, I tumbled and fell. My mind went into a fight-or-flight, but I am very proud of myself for staying the course and powering through that tough situation.”

On the girls side, Barcinas executed a patient and strategic race, finishing in 21:54. She tucked in behind JFK’s Michaloe Decano during the opening lap before methodically increasing the pace. By the third lap, she had created enough separation to secure the victory, reinforcing her status as one of the league’s top female runners.

“An X-factor for my performance today was the weather. It was perfect race conditions,” said Barcinas. “But the most important factor has to be the support I receive from my teammates, my coaches, and most especially my mom.”

With the season past its halfway point, both Di Ramos and Barcinas look poised as strong contenders for the All-Island Meet on Oct. 11, 6 am at Guam High.